Resumo A natureza é presenteada com uma grande variedade de plantas ornamentais que embelezam e limpam a natureza. Por causa de seu grande valor estético, existe a necessidade de proteger essas plantas de uma variedade de estresses bióticos e abióticos. Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (L.) é uma planta ornamental comumente conhecida como rosa-da-China ou graxa-de-estudante. É afetada por vários patógenos fúngicos e bacterianos. O presente estudo buscou isolar o patógeno da mancha foliar de H. rosa-sinensis e seu controle usando nanopartículas de prata (AgNPs). Com base nas características moleculares e morfológicas, o patógeno isolado da mancha foliar foi identificado como Aspergillus niger. As AgNPs foram sintetizadas no extrato de folhas de Calotropis procera e caracterizadas. A análise de espectroscopia UV-vis mostrou discretas bandas de ressonância plasmônica na superfície das AgNPs sintetizadas, mostrando a presença de aminoácidos aromáticos. A espectroscopia no infravermelho com transformada de Fourier (FTIR) descreveu a presença de grupos funcionais C-O, NH, C-H e O-H, que atuam como moléculas estabilizadoras e redutoras. A difração de raios X (DRX) revelou o tamanho médio (~32,43 nm) das AgNPs e a microscopia eletrônica de varredura (MEV) mostrou sua natureza esférica. Neste estudo, foi investigada a atividade antifúngica in vitro e in vivo de AgNPs. A análise da atividade antifúngica in vitro revelou a maior inibição do crescimento de micélio (87%) na concentração de 1,0 mg/ml de AgNPs. A mesma concentração de AgNPs inibiu a propagação da doença em folhas infectadas de H. rosa-sinensis. Esses resultados demonstraram significativa capacidade de controle de doenças das AgNPs e sugeriram seu uso em diferentes plantas ornamentais.

Abstract Nature is gifted with a wide range of ornamental plants, which beautify and clean the nature. Due to its great aesthetic value, there is a need to protect these plants from a variety of biotic and abiotic stresses. Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (L.) is an ornamental plant and it is commonly known as China rose or shoeblack plant. It is affected by several fungal and bacterial pathogens. Current study was designed to isolate leaf spot pathogen of H. rosa-sinensis and its control using silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). Based on molecular and morphological features, the isolated leaf spot pathogen was identified as Aspergillus niger. AgNPs were synthesized in the leaf extract of Calotropis procera and characterized. UV-vis spectral analysis displayed discrete plasmon resonance bands on the surface of synthesized AgNPs, depicting the presence of aromatic amino acids. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) described the presence of C-O, NH, C-H, and O-H functional groups, which act as stabilizing and reducing molecules. X-ray diffraction (XRD) revealed the average size (~32.43 nm) of AgNPs and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) depicted their spherical nature. In this study, in vitro and in vivo antifungal activity of AgNPs was investigated. In vitro antifungal activity analysis revealed the highest growth inhibition of mycelia (87%) at 1.0 mg/ml concentration of AgNPs. The same concentration of AgNPs tremendously inhibited the spread of disease on infected leaves of H. rosa-sinensis. These results demonstrated significant disease control ability of AgNPs and suggested their use on different ornamental plants.

Abstract The present study aimed to produce a monosex population of all male Nile tilapia (Oreochromis spp.) using 17α-methyl testosterone and common carp testes (as a source of natural androgen). Trial was conducted into two consecutive phases, the first was fry (4-5 days old)administration with negative control (without hormone) and positive control (with hormone) feed viz., MT1:60mg/kg, MT2:70mg/kg (17α-MT), carp testis CT1:70% and CT2:80% for 30 days to reverse the sex of male fish and the second phase was nursing the fingerlings for two months on control diet (32% Crude protein).Results revealed a significant growth rate (P<0.05) in the control group where final weight (4.8±0.34ab) and weight gained was recorded as 0.66±0.03ac. In proximate chemical composition of body meat, CT2 treatment showed maximum retention of crude protein, crude fat, and ash whereas dry matter showed maximum retention in MT2 and CT1 treatments. Morphological and histological examination revealed significant difference (p<0.05) in phenotypic males of Nile tilapia fed with the highest percent in MT-treated diet (MT2) of 95±0.58a while MT1, CT2 and CT1 had males of 85±6.0b, 70±5.0b and 65±6.5b, respectively. It was concluded that synthetic androgen (17αMT) was more effective for masculinization but natural androgen scan be an alternative method to produce male tilapia population in an environment-friendly manner as they are inexpensive, eco-friendly, and radially available. These results suggested that synthetic and natural androgen supplementation in the diet plays a significant role in improving growth performance and body composition.

Resumo O presente estudo teve como objetivo produzir uma população monossexuada de todos os machos de tilápia do Nilo (Oreochromis spp.) usando 17α-metil testosterona e testículos de carpa comum como fonte de andrógeno natural. O ensaio foi conduzido em duas fases consecutivas, a primeira foi a administração de alevinos (4-5 dias) com controle negativo (sem hormônio) e controle positivo (com hormônio), viz., MT1:60mg/kg, MT2:70mg/kg (17α -MT), testículos de carpa CT1:70% e CT2:80% por 30 dias para inverter o sexo dos peixes machos e a segunda fase foi amamentar os alevinos por dois meses com dieta controle (32% de proteína bruta), e analisar a taxa de crescimento (p < 0,05) no grupo controle, em que o peso final (4,8 ± 0,34 ab) e o peso ganho foram registrados como 0,66 ± 0,03 ac. Na composição química aproximada da carne corporal, o tratamento CT2 mostrou retenção máxima de proteína bruta, gordura bruta e cinzas, enquanto a matéria seca apresentou retenção máxima nos tratamentos MT2 e CT1. O exame morfológico e histológico revelou diferença significativa (p < 0,05) nos machos fenotípicos de tilápia do Nilo alimentados com o maior percentual na dieta tratada com MT (MT2) de 95 ± 0,58a enquanto MT1, CT2 e CT1 tiveram machos de 85 ± 6,0b, 70 ± 5,0 e 65 ± 6,5b, respectivamente. Concluiu-se que o andrógeno sintético (17αMT) foi mais eficaz para a masculinização, entretanto os andrógenos naturais podem ser um método alternativo para produzir população de tilápias machos de maneira ecológica, pois são baratos, ecológicos e estão disponíveis radialmente. Esses resultados sugerem que a suplementação de andrógenos sintéticos e naturais na dieta desempenha um papel significativo na melhoria do desempenho do crescimento e da composição corporal.

Abstract Crisis in coronavirus times requires understanding the effects on society and establishing efficient mechanisms to prevent infections. The disinfection of personal protection equipment by UVC light remains a key opportunity area. Therefore, this letter presents the main drawbacks and challenges on the fabrication of deep ultraviolet LEDs based on III-nitrides, such as the substrate selection, dislocation reduction, the increase of external quantum efficiency, enhancement of the radiative recombination in the active region, the complications to reach high Al content in AlGaN-based UVC LED avoiding the reduction of the p-doping, replacing the p-GaN contact layer by p-AlGaN without hindering the deposition of ohmic contacts. Furthermore, the cubic phase is suggested as a promising candidate for AlGaN UVC-LEDs applications as is discussed in this work.

Resumo A coccidiose continua sendo um dos maiores problemas em aves de todo o mundo. Dados muito limitados sobre drogas anticoccidiais em pombos selvagens estão disponíveis. O presente estudo teve como objetivo compreender a eficácia comparativa da sulfadimidina, amprólio e triquenho em pombos selvagens do distrito de Dir, no Paquistão, que sofrem de coccidiose. A matéria fecal dos pombos selvagens foi comprada no mercado local para infecção por coccídios. Os resultados revelaram que 88,8% (16/18) foram encontrados infectados com Eimeria spp. Três grupos positivos foram tratados com sulfadimidina (0,2mg / L), amprólio (25mg / L) e triquenho. A sulfadimidina foi mais eficaz (45%), seguida pelo amprólio (44,6%), enquanto o triquenho (24,0%) apresentou menor efetividade contra a coccidiose em pombos. O número de oocistos foram 79, 81 e 80 antes do tratamento e 60, 44 e 44 após o tratamento com sulfadimidina, amprólio e triquenho, respectivamente. Este estudo mostrou que sulphadimidine, amprolium e triquen não poderiam reduzir significativamente a coccidiose em pombos. Mais estudos são necessários para limpar o mecanismo de drogas anticoccidiais em pombos selvagens.

Abstract Coccidiosis remains one of the major problems in poultry all over the world. Very limited data on anticoccidial drugs in wild pigeons is available. The current study was aimed to understand the comparative efficacy of sulfadimidine, amprolium and triquen in wild pigeons of Dir district, Pakistan suffering from coccidiosis. The faecal matter of wild pigeons were purchased from the local market for coccidian infection. Results revealed that 88.8% (16/18) were found infected with Eimeria spp. Three positive groups were treated with sulfadimidine (0.2mg/L), amprolium (25mg/L) and triquen. Sulfadimidine was most effective (45%) followed by amprolium (44.6%) while triquen (24.0%) showed less effectiveness against coccidiosis in pigeons. Number of oocysts were 79, 81 and 80 before treatment and 60, 44 and 44 after treatment with sulfadimidine, amprolium and triquen respectively. This study showed that sulphadimidine, amprolium and triquen could not significantly reduce the coccidiosis in pigeons. Further studies are required to clear the mechanism of anti-coccidial drugs in wild pigeons.

Resumo O experimento foi realizado em manga cv. Dusehri para investigar o efeito dos fertilizantes N, P e K no crescimento vegetativo, reprodutivo, produtividade e de qualidade do fruto. Foram utilizadas oito combinações diferentes de fertilizantes: T1 (controle), T2 (N), T3 (P), T4 (K), T5 (NP), T6 (NK), T7 (PK) e T8 (NPK). Cada tratamento de N (1.000 g), P (750 g) e K (750 g) foi aplicado duas vezes durante a estação de crescimento em fevereiro e agosto. Todos os tratamentos influenciaram significativamente o crescimento vegetativo, floração, frutificação, produtividade e outros atributos físico-químicos da manga em relação ao controle. Menos efeito foi observado com a aplicação individual de fertilizante, enquanto os tratamentos combinados aumentaram a maioria dos parâmetros investigados. Especialmente as características qualitativas mostraram diferenças não significativas entre mangueiras tratadas e não tratadas. No entanto, entre os diferentes tratamentos, T8 (NPK) apresentou significância para aspectos de frutificação, como tamanho máximo de folgas de crescimento (177,51 mm), número total de panículas/árvore (845), número total de flores/panícula (974), razão sexual (69,18%), retenção de frutos (13,85%), número total de frutos/árvore (379), produção (82 kg/árvore), peso do fruto (197,5 g) e peso da polpa (135,5 g), além de parâmetros físico-químicos, como TSS (24,53), vitamina C (57,63 mg/100 mL) e açúcar total (20,84%). Em geral, a aplicação combinada de NPK (T8) foi a mais eficaz no aprimoramento dos aspectos de frutificação, produtividade, características físico-químicas, além da melhoria da qualidade dos frutos das mangueiras.

Abstract The experiment was carried out on mango cv. Dusehri to investigate the effect of N, P and K fertilizers on vegetative, reproductive growth, yield and fruit quality. Eight different fertilizer combinations such as T1 (control), T2 (N), T3 (P), T4 (K), T5 (NP), T6 (NK), T7 (PK) and T8 (NPK) were used. Individual or combine fertilizer application of N (1000 g), P (750 g) and K (750 g) were applied during growing season in February and August. All the treatments significantly influenced on vegetative growth, flowering, fruiting, yield and other physiochemical attributes of mango as compared to control. Least effect was observed with individual fertilizer application while combine fertilizer treatments enhanced most of the investigated parameters. Especially, qualitative traits showed non-significant differences between treated and untreated mango trees. However, among the different treatments T8 (NPK) showed significance for fruiting aspects such as maximum size of growth flushes (177.51 mm), total number of panicles/tree (845), total number of flowers/panicle (974), sex ratio (69.18%), fruit retention (13.85%), total number of fruits/tree (379), yield (82 kg/tree), fruit weight (197.5 g), pulp weight (135.5 g) and physiochemical parameters namely TSS (24.53), Vit. C (57.63 mg/100 mL) and total sugar (20.84%). In general, combine application of NPK (T8) were the most effective in enhancing fruiting aspects, yield, physiochemical characteristics as well as improved fruit quality of mango trees.

RESUMO Fatores de micro-hábitat associados ao hábitat do veado (Muntiacus vaginalis) foram examinados e comparados entre as estações de verão e inverno. As características do hábitat e o hábitat preferido foram medidos, localizando sinais diretos e indiretos. Para quantificar a utilização do hábitat de cervos-latidos, cada local de estudo selecionado foi amostrado para a diversidade floral de 2015 a 2017. Quadrats foram implantados ao longo de linhas de transecto para determinar a distribuição sazonal., Veados-latidos não foram distribuídos uniformemente pelos tipos de vegetação na área de estudo; ocorreram com mais frequência na floresta de folhas largas do que na floresta de pinheiros Chir, em uma faixa de elevação de 550-850 m, em vegetação densa, em encostas íngremes. O hábitat mais preferido incluía árvores e arbustos com 30% e 69% de cobertura, respectivamente. O veado-latido evitou uma cobertura de árvores mais espessa, possivelmente porque impede o movimento e a fuga de predadores. Nenhuma diferença significativa (χ2 = 6,37; df = 3; p = 0,19) na cobertura vegetal sazonal foi registrada.

ABSTRACT Microhabitat factors associated with the habitat of barking deer (Muntiacus vaginalis) were examined and compared between summer and winter seasons. Habitat characteristics and preferred habitat were measured by locating direct and indirect signs. To quantify the habitat utilization of barking deer, each selected study site was sampled for floral diversity from 2015 to 2017. Quadrats were deployed along transect lines to determine seasonal distribution. Barking deer were not evenly distributed across vegetation types in the study area; they occurred more often in the broad-leaved forest than in Chir pine forest, at an elevational range of 550-850 m, in thick vegetation on steep slopes. The most preferred habitat included trees and shrubs with 30% and 69% cover, respectively. Barking deer avoided thicker tree cover, possibly as it hinders movement and escape from predators. No significant difference (χ2 = 6.37, df = 3, p = 0.19) in seasonal vegetation cover was recorded.

Resumo Devido ao aumento do número de ervas daninhas resistentes aos herbicidas, é necessário explorar o potencial alelopático das plantas como uma alternativa. A pesquisa foi conduzida com o objetivo de investigar os efeitos alelopáticos do pó foliar de Carica papaya e do extrato aquoso das sementes, bem como das sementes pré-germinadas de Avena fatua, Helianthus annuus, Rumex dentatus, Zea mays e Triticum aestivum em papel de filtro e solo no Laboratório do Programa de Manejo de Ervas Daninhas, Departamento de Plantas e Proteção Ambiental do Instituto PARC de Estudos Avançados em Agricultura, Centro Nacional de Pesquisa Agrícola, Islamabad, Paquistão. A porcentagem de germinação (%), o comprimento radicular e o comprimento da plúmula (cm) foram os parâmetros observados para o 'Bioensaio de Pó de Folha de Planta' e o 'Método de Extração Aquoso'. A maior inibição do crescimento foi observada em mudas de A. fatua no método de papel de filtro. O comprimento radicular de A. fatua foi reduzido com os extratos aquosos de C. papaya (80%) e pó de folhas (89%). O comprimento das plúmulas foi reduzido sob a influência do extrato aquoso (57-73%) e material em pó (59-77%). Os efeitos inibitórios em outras espécies-teste foram na sequência de H. annuus seguido por Z. mays e R. dentatus. O extrato aquoso apresentou efeito não significativo na germinação das sementes de trigo, nos crescimentos radiculares e das plúmulas. Sugere-se que o extrato aquoso de C. papaya pode ser utilizado como fonte de manejo de plantas daninhas na cultura do trigo.

Abstract Due to increased number of herbicide resistant weeds, it is needed to explore the allelopathic potential of plants as an alternative. The research was conducted to investigate allelopathic effects of Carica papaya L. leaf powder and aqueous extract on seeds as well as pre-germinated seeds of Avena fatua L., Helianthus annuus L., Rumex dentatus L., Zea mays L. and Triticum aestivum L. on filter paper and soil in Weed Management Program Laboratory, Department of Plant and Environmental Protection at PARC Institute of Advanced Studies in Agriculture, National Agriculture Research Centre, Islamabad, Pakistan. Germination percentage (%), radicle length (cm) and plumule length (cm) were parameters observed for ‘Plant leaf powder bioassay’ and ‘Aqueous extract method’. Most significant growth inhibition was observed in A. fatua seedlings in filter paper method. A. fatua radicle length was reduced by C. papaya aqueous extract (80%) and leaf powder (89%) bioassays. Plumule length was reduced under the influence of aqueous extract (57-73%) and powdered material (59-77%). The inhibitory effects on other test species were in sequence of H. annuus followed by Z. mays and R. dentatus. The aqueous extract showed non-significant effect on wheat seed germination, radicle and plumule growth. It is suggested that C. papaya aqueous extract can be used as source of weed management in wheat crop.

BACKGROUND: Cancer, being the foremost challenge of the modern era and the focus of world-class investigators, gargantuan research is in progress worldwide to explore novel therapeutic for its management. The exploitation of natural sources has been proven to be an excellent approach to treat or minify the excessive angiogenesis and proliferation of cells. Similarly, based the ethnomedicinal uses and literature survey, the current study is designed to explore the anti-tumor and anti-angiogenic potentials of Rumex hastatus. Anti-tumor and anti-angiogenic activities were carried out using potato-disc model and chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay respectively. Moreover, R. hastatus was also assessed for antibacterial activity against Agrobacterium tumefaciens (tumor causing bacterial strain). The positive controls used in anti-tumor, anti-angiogenic and antibacterial activities were vincristine sulphate, dexamethasone and cefotaxime respectively RESULTS: The crude saponins (Rh.Sp), methanolic extract (Rh.Cr) and other solvent extracts like n-hexane (Rh.Hex), chloroform (Rh.Chf), ethylacetate (Rh.EtAc) and aqueous fraction (Rh.Aq) exhibited notable anti-tumor and anti-angiogenic activities. In potato tumor assay, the chloroform and saponin fractions were observed to be the most effective showing 86.7 and 93.3 % tumor inhibition at 1000 μg/ml with IC50 values 31.6 and 18.1 μg/ml respectively. Similarly, these two samples i.e., chloroform and saponins also excelled among the entire test samples in anti-angiogenic evaluation exhibiting 81.6 % (IC50 = 17.9 μg/ml) and 78.9 % (IC50 = 64.9 μg/ml) at 1000 μg/ml respectively. In contrast, the antibacterial investigations revealed a negligible potential against A. tumefaciens. CONCLUSION: Based on our results we can claim that R. hastatus possesses both anti-tumor and anti-angiogenic potentials. In all of the solvent fractions, Rh.Chf and Rh.Sp were most effective against tumor and angiogenesis while having negligible activity against A. tumefaciens. It can be concluded that Rh.Chf and Rh.Sp might be potential targets in the isolation of natural product having anti-neoplastic action.

<sec><title>Introduction</title><p> Surfactant protein A (SP-A) exhibits antimicrobial properties and interacts with a variety of respiratory tract pathogens.</p></sec><sec><title>Objective</title><p> The objective of this study was to detect the presence of SP-A and measure its alterations in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) and primary atrophic rhinitis (PAR) versus healthy controls.</p></sec><sec><title>Methods</title><p> Inferior turbinate and sinus mucosal biopsies were taken from 30 patients with CRS, 30 patients with PAR, and 20 healthy controls. Immunohistochemical staining for SP-A and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of SP-A messenger RNA were performed on nasal tissue samples.</p></sec><sec><title>Results</title><p> Immunostaining localized SP-A to the mucosa and submucosal glands in CRS specimens but failed to localize it in PAR specimens. Quantitative PCR showed a high, statistically significant increase in the SP-A levels of patients with CRS when compared with controls (<italic>p</italic> < 0.0001) and also demonstrated a significant reduction of SP-A in patients with PAR compared with controls (<italic>p</italic> < 0.005).</p></sec><sec><title>Conclusion</title><p> SP-A is significantly increased in CRS and decreased significantly in PAR and appears to be expressed by respiratory epithelial cells and submucosal glandular elements of the sinonasal mucosa. The potential therapeutic applications of surfactant in the enhancement of mucociliary clearance need to be studied.</p></sec>

The aim of this work was to investigate and compare the antiproliferative, antioxidant and antibacterial activities of Rosmarinus officinalis essential oil, native to Pakistan. The essential oil content from the leaves of R. officinalis was 0.93 g 100g-1. The GC and GC-MS analysis revealed that the major components determined in R. officinalis essential oil were 1,8-cineol (38.5%), camphor (17.1%), α-pinene (12.3%), limonene (6.23%), camphene (6.00%) and linalool (5.70%). The antiproliferative activity was tested against two cancer (MCF-7 and LNCaP) and one fibroblast cell line (NIH-3T3) using the MTT assay, while, the antioxidant activity was evaluated by the reduction of 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) and measuring percent inhibition of peroxidation in linoleic acid system. The disc diffusion and modified resazurin microtitre-plate assays were used to evaluate the inhibition zones (IZ) and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of R. officinalis essential oil, respectively. It is concluded from the results that Rosmarinus officinalis essential oil exhibited antiproliferative, antioxidant and antibacterial activities.